Zimmerman Case Not Over Yet? What Do You Think, Westchase?

As protesters gathered for a second day in downtown Tampa Monday to express their displeasure with the not-guilty verdict in the second-degree murder trial of George Zimmerman, the U.S. Justice Department announced its intent to review the case.

The Justice Department is working with the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Florida’s Middle District and the FBI to “evaluate the evidence” from a federal probe into the case along with evidence from the recently concluded trial, according to the Huffington Post.

“Experienced federal prosecutors will determine whether the evidence reveals a prosecutable violation,” the Post reported.

If a prosecutable violation is found, new charges – on the federal level – could be brought against Zimmerman in relation to the 2012 shooting death of Trayvon Martin, 17, in the Sanford area. While the Fifth Amendment to the Constitution prevents Florida from bringing new charges against Zimmerman in the case, it does not prevent federal charges, according to the Cornell University School of Law.

Since the not-guilty verdict came down in the Zimmerman trial Saturday, July 13, protests have been held across the country, including two in downtown Tampa in recent days.

Westchase Patch readers have also been vocal about the outcome of the trial.

“TOTALLY UNFAIR,” wrote Alicia Celorio on the Westchase Patch Facebook page. “There was no justice served and I don't understand what the jury got based on. That individual will need to watch his steps.”

Beth Padgett Edwards had a slightly different take.

“That’s the American Justice System. No one except the Jury knows all of the evidence, and whether it not it was enough,” she said. “The process was completed as set forth by our American justice system. I just hope everyone keeps a level head, and no further tragedies come from the verdict.”

What do you think, Westchase? Do you think the Justice Department should continue to probe the case for possible new charges? Or, do you think the outcome in Sanford was sufficient? Tell us by commenting below!